Difference Between Differentiation and Dedifferentiation

Difference Between Active And Passive Immunity

Differentiation of Plant Tissues: An Introduction

In order to understand the difference between Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation, one must be aware of Differentiation principles.

Meaning of Differentiation

Differentiation is the process through which a cell loses its capacity to divide and develops a particular function. Permanent tissues are created as meristematic cells develop. Take into account the xylem tissue, which is made up of tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. The tracheary components, which aid in the conduction of water and minerals, are made up of the tracheids and vessels combined. The tracheary parts are still alive while they are still developing, but after differentiation is complete, they turn lifeless and hollow.

Differentiation Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation Definition

Dedifferentiation: Dedifferentiation is the process through which a cell regains its capacity to divide and loses the function it obtained during differentiation. For instance, during a plant's secondary development, completely differentiated permanent tissues form the vascular cambium and cork cambium (meristems).

Uses of Dedifferentiation

Cork and interfascicular cambium are produced when fully differentiated parenchyma cells undergo dedifferentiation. It is possible for a dedifferentiated tissue to act as a meristem and generate a fresh batch of cells. Genetic and epigenetic variations among other things have an impact on the capacity of those cells to differentiate further. In plant tissue culture, a callus is produced using this idea.

Redifferentiation: Redifferentiation is the process through which a dedifferentiated cell acquires a specific role and loses its capacity to divide once more. As an illustration, consider the development of secondary xylem and phloem from dedifferentiated cambial ring cells.

Uses of Redifferentiation

Once new cells are generated from the dedifferentiated tissues that serve as meristems, the cells lose their capacity to divide and differentiate. They gradually reach maturity and take on different functions inside the plant body. The secondary xylem and phloem cells can no longer proliferate and develop into mature cells, which carry out many functions in the plant body, including the transportation of food and water.

Difference Between Differentiation Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation

S.No	Category	Dedifferentiation	Redifferentiation
1	Definition	The process by which adult cells return to their pluripotent condition is known as dedifferentiation.	Redifferentiation is the process through which dedifferentiated cells lose their capacity to divide.
2	Division	The ability to divide is regained.	The ability to divide gets lost again.
3	Function	The ability to perform a specific function is lost.	The ability to perform a specific function is gained again.
4	Purpose	The plants are able to produce new cells.	The plants gain the ability to perform specific functions.
5	Examples	Cork cambium production from completely differentiated parenchymal cells, interfascicular cambium, and meristems.	Secondary xylem and phloem, cork cambium, and secondary cortex cork from the interfascicular cambium.

Summary

Dedifferentiation and redifferentiation are two methods by which cells alter their capacity to divide. Differentiated cells engage in both processes. Both systems play a crucial role in the development and repair of injury. Differentiation allows cells to lose division and form specialized cells. Dedifferentiation allows cells to regain their lost capacity for division. Redifferentiation again occurs when the number of cells is enough and there is a need for specialised cells for specific activities.

FAQs on Difference Between Differentiation and Dedifferentiation

1. What are the characteristics of Dedifferentiation?

Dedifferentiation is the process by which differentiated cells in a specific area of the plant body recover their ability to divide. It enables the plant to create new cells in a specific area. Dedifferentiation of differentiated cells therefore typically occurs before significant physiologic or structural change. The functional forms of the cells return to their early developmental stages during dedifferentiation. Dedifferentiated cells, therefore, function as many types of meristematic tissue in plants, such as the interfascicular vascular cambium, cork cambium, and wound meristem.

2. What are the characteristics of Redifferentiation?

Redifferentiation is the loss of a differentiated cell's ability to divide after it has regained it. It enables functionally specialized cells to operate as differentiated cells inside the plant body. The treated differentiated cells often return to the redifferentiated state after dedifferentiating the plant body to prepare it for physiological or structural change and fulfill a specified role.

3. Give differentiation dedifferentiation and redifferentiation examples.

Dedifferentiation is exemplified by the creation of the interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from completely differentiated parenchyma cells, whereas redifferentiation is exemplified by the specialization of vascular cambium into the secondary xylem and phloem. For instance, after cell division, the dedifferentiated vascular cambium redifferentiates into the secondary xylem and phloem. However, the cells in the secondary xylem and secondary phloem are unable to undergo additional cell division, and once they have reached maturity, they carry out tasks like conducting food and water while preserving the structural integrity of the plant.